The BAGS Intertrack - Poole Leg

15:44 - The BAGS Track Championship Bitches

My Pick: Droopys Yvonne (7/2 B365)

It’s safe to say that Poole are going to do pretty well in their home leg, and they can start with a bang here in the form of Droopys Yvonne. Alma Keppie’s black recently came home to score by over 4 lengths in an A1, posting a reasonable 27.09. She looks to have the plot draw in trap 6, with a middle runner in 5 who should be moving in rather than out. Yvonne looks to get a solo on the outside here.

For the places, I’ve sided with out hopeful, Tarty Toes. JP’s bitch looks to have a cracking draw in red here, and should pace up well after the initial look round. Dogs that trial round Poole always seem to come on for the look.  I reckon she could find 20 spots or so.

The key to the race is that I envisage some scrimmaging through the middle, unfortunately with Active Lark bearing the brunt of it. The 5 looks as though it really wants about trap 3, whereas the two dog looks to want to move in, so there could be a fair amount of trouble on the run up. Once again the old adage of trials comes in, with Absinthe lacking a look round, which could be a bit of a nightmare.

16:04 – The BAGS Track Championship Puppies

My Pick – Old Codger (NAP) (11/10, Bet365)

Stand out really this one. Old Codger, trained by Richard Baker, did the business at Oxford, and looks to be the star playing in this pretty weak puppy heat. Drawn trap one, he can quite easily clear the 2 dog for sheer early pace.

To buy yourself some money, I do think the 1-2 forecast here is nailed on.

Our runners, realistically, don’t really have a squeak here. To come away with anything more than 3 points will be a big bonus. Out of the two, you can argue that Wood Bionic, trained by Darryl Porter, posted a pretty decent trial time, and could get in front of the VSAw 3 dog, but aside from that, we don’t really have much hope here!

16:22 – The BAGS Track Championship Sprint

My Pick – Primo Impact (9/4, Bet365)

I’m siding with the recent form over a trial here in the form of Primo Impact, though realistically I think this could be a 17 pointer for us. Impact, trained by Chris Stringer, has run really well in this intertrack, and again has the benefit of a trial. He seems to come on for the race, looking at his Oxford trials vs. Race form, so I’m expecting more of the same here.

Hastetothewind, trained by Ken Mitchell, has a really impressive trial time at the track, however doesn’t have that early ping that, as a sprinter, can win you races from the boxes. He leaves his running late on, which could be an issue around such a tight track.

As for the rest, I think the best chance will be Catunda Lucca for Jo Burridge, as it has the experience of the track, and a decent time last time in a trial.

16:42 – The BAGS Track Championship Stayers

My Pick – Brickhill Dunk (NB) (8/1, Bet365)

I saw the early prices for this race, and I was absolutely amazed. So much so, I’ve ploughed into the 8/1 about Brickhill Dunk. He doesn’t exactly pop off the page as a winner here, however his open race run round the track saw him post a decent enough time, plus he has the added experience of once being graded there. He’s been running really well in A2 company, running on like a steam train in the process, and to me he’s a different dog compared to what ran in the open back last year. He starred for the Poole team at Crayford last year in the same competition, and could prove a hit this year for Swindon.

The race is a pretty good quality one, and I’m looking at Francos Causeway  to make a good run. Andrew Ross’ dog has been running well in A1 company, and has a win over the extended trip back in the summer. He has that kick of early pace that you need round Poole, and he could be a big player.

Ardmayle Move, for Chris Stringer, has once again been dealt a hard draw here. She posted a brilliant first look at the track last week aswell. My concern here is that the trip is too short for her, and again as a bitch that comes off the back, it’s going to be hard to get to the front around a tight track like Poole.

This is a cracking race, and realistically any one of the 6 can win it.

16:58 – The BAGS Track Championship Standard

My Pick – Missys Touch (11/4, Bet365)

This is an interesting little race this, arguably it’s a toss up between about 3 dogs. I’ve sided however with the home advantage that Missys Touch gets. She looks to be a rather consistent sort recently, winning her last A1 in some style, and she looks ideally drawn. I think that the Yahoo bitch on her inside will veer more to the rails, which might allow her a slightly easier passage. The issue may be coming from their own dog infact, with What A Disciple looking to move more middle.

On the basis of the draw, you have to say that Ardmayle Candy is the best drawn dog of the lot. Chris Stringer’s charge is capable of a ping-gone style race, but needs to get out of those boxes. She’s had the benefit of a trial also.

Stanton Apollo, for Kevin Hutton, posted a superb first look of 26.80 at the track, but to me the trap draw has knocked him slightly. I expect the one dog to move in on him and, although not the fastest of dogs, it could cause Apollo some bother.

17:18 – The BAGS Track Championship Dogs

My Pick – Hoots Mon (7/2, Bet365)

Hoots Mon, soley on the draw, will romp up in this race. Kevin Hutton’s charge is back to what I believe is his ideal trip of 450m, and has the benefit of a trial. By all accounts, Hoots completely fluffed the start, however still managed to post a 27.16. Anyone who knows Hoots Mon knows he’s not one to muck up the start twice. The boxes at Poole are near enough identical to Swindon, so if he can do the same at Poole as he does at home, this race should be easy for him.

In what is a race with not alot of early pace, I’m liable to side with Grogeen Lodge for the places. Richard Baker’s charge has a serious kick of early pace, and has the benefit of a trial.

The BAGS Intertrack - Oxford Leg

Well, spirits seem really high heading into the middle part of this competition. We have the best points total from the opening rounds, and should realistically be good things to get through this group. I believe we were as short as 1/200 with Paddy Power! To me, thats a bit nuts, as we have to go to two tracks now that really don't suit all that well. Still, anyone investing at those sorts of prices, good luck!

The next leg on our journey takes us to Sandy Lane, where we do battle vs. Poole and the home team Oxford. My general feeling about the leg is that we are going to struggle in some races, quite frankly. I don't think the draws have been particularly kind on our dogs either. Still, here is my low down of each race, obviously looking particularly at our dog's chances.

11:34 - The BAGS Track Championship Puppies
My Pick: Old Codger

I think the home team can start with a bang here in Old Codger. Trained by the Baker boys, this dog looks to be a good sort round Oxford, and has what could be an excellent draw in one, with Oxford's other, slightly down on class runner in two. A recent trial time of 27.00 looks good enough to win this race.

As for the Swindon dogs, and I know we are particularly short in the pups department, but the lack of any sort of early pace is a slight cause for concern. Plus, to be frank the times that we've posted round there are poor. I think that ours might struggle with the early battle, but possibly the points will come as ours seem to be the more running on types. 

To me, of the two, Sharp Exit looks to be the well drawn, with railer Droopys Bass from Poole in 3. Sounds daft, but again Poole don't seem to have really bothered with trials, and round a track like Oxford, though similar to Poole, you could find their dogs veering anywhere round the track!

Aspiration's time in particular disappoints, but lets be honest this trip was never really going to be up her street. I think, out of all the races on Friday morning, this is going to be the one we lose the most points in.

11:48 - The BAGS Track Championship Standard
My Pick: Mercurial Lady

This could be a good points winning race for us, as the two bitches we have running look particularly suited to Oxford. I've sided with Lady literally on the time she posted on Monday. I personally thought the going was alot slower than what was indicated, meaning that she did a better time in my opinion. She's pinging well from the traps at the moment, as so long as she can get round the first bend in front she should find the line. A short head would be fine here!

As much as I think we can do well here, and actually I believe Oxford have a pretty poor line up in this race, Poole's runners look to have a cracking make up here. Distant Midnight for Pete Ruddick is a mega consistent sort, who again looks tailor-made to Oxford., Tommy Gun posted a very quick 26.76 last time out at Poole, which should replicate well here.

Tarty Toes, running for John Peterson, should take to Oxford like a duck to water. I think she can improve off the trial time, and possibly even win the race with the right make up. To me, however, I can see the 1 dog moving off, possibly causing some traffic problems.

12:04 - The BAGS Track Championship Bitches
My Pick: Shelbourne Nat

Here is where we can definitely pick up a good win in my opinion. Shelbourne Nat here looks to be drawn superbly on the fence. She trialled well last Friday, and has previous experience of the track, so she should handle the place well. Just sheerly on the draw alone, with Movealong Penny to me moving slightly middle on the run up, she should get a good run round. 

Unfortunately our other prospect, Perles Minaj, doesn't look to be particularly well drawn. Trap 5 I don't think is ideal, and in her trial she didn't ping out of the boxes. On her Swindon runs, you'd say she would be well suited to the place, but her trial says otherwise. Fingers crossed she can come on from that. The saving grace is that she looks to have a slouch in the 6 box, and a hit-and-miss sort in 4. Fingers crossed she can find her trapping shoes and get a clear run round the bend.

One runner who looks to have a decent make up is Mallogs Amy of Shaun Gresham. The Poole raider, again bombing round without a look, looks an out and out middle runner, who has a good kick of early. She has some good times at Poole in top grade, and again looks suited to the track. The lack of a trial is a worry though.

12:18 - The BAGS Track Championship Sprint
My Pick: Grogeen Lodge

This race is going to be right up Oxford's street, as they run regular sprint graded races at the track. The time's are also very telling, with their runners being significantly faster than the triallers times there from Swindon and Poole.

Grogeen Lodge looks a stand out here. He seems very consistent sort in this sort of trip, and again looks like a trapper in every race he's in. The best time of 15.14 is also stand out compared to the rest of the runners, by a good length or so. This could be a very good day for the Baker camp.

For the amount of looks he's had at the place, and the consistency of his times, you'd have to say Primo Impact has a good shout to make some sort of charge on the race. Chris Stringer's dog has some good times at the track, and two recent wins over the sprint trip could be good form for this race.

Hoots Mon is also very well drawn, and in the form of his life at the moment, so fingers crossed he can keep up this excellent run of form.

I don't think too much of the Poole dogs in this one. To me, Brookend Merlin, and ex Swindon greyhounds, isn't of the class of the competition here. Catunda Luca, running for Jo Burridge, although the trial time was very good, hasn't really got enough form lines over a 2 bend trip for me to be positively backing him.

12:47 - The BAGS Track Championship Dogs
My Pick: Liosgarbh Way

My pick here is literally soley on the drawm as I do think this is a good 3/1 the field race. I went to trials on Monday, and one thing that really caught my attention was the way that Sligo Mick cut in on the first bend, then took a very much middle course round the rest of the track. It's amazing that a dog who's always been an out and out wide runner at Swindon can have such a different running style at Oxford.

Hence why I'm siding with Bob Hannan's Liosgarbh Way. He looks very well drawn, and has a pretty decent 27.05 on his card. Admittedly this was a bit of a freak time by the looks of things, however I don't think he did any harm in his last run, which I think wasn't bad at all considering being FcdToCk. 

For the places I'm siding more along the lines of What A Disciple. Graham Wright's charge has been impressive round Poole recently, and has a cracking kick of early toe. He didn't run Swindon particularly well in the sprint, however he looks more tailor made to a short 4 bend trip. Romford could well be right up his street. Here, he's the best drawn middle runner in my eyes, and could take a commanding lead.

The Swindon dog's here haven't really got the times on the card to compete on the face of it. I do think Sligo Mick can find time on his second outing there, and at his pinging best could completely thrash the competition really. Primo Apollo doesn't look too well drawn here, and needs to be pitched handy to make a big run later on. 

13:33 - The BAGS Track Championship Stayers
My Pick: Lacken Style

So the stayers pick goes to another Oxford dog here, in the form of Lacken Style. Once again for Richard Baker, Style seems to have the great make up for this trip. She's drawn in trap one, has a good kick of early, and seems to be wanting this sort of short six bends.

She ran a very credible race at Swindon, again running on strongly vs. Perles Minaj, and has a good line of OR form round here, just being beaten by 12 spots to Parkwest Leo. The time she recorded that day could see her win this well.

Initially my thoughts about this race, after hearing about his trial, was how far is Primo Ryan going to win!? However, he has the three box again here. Give him his due, he managed to just get round at Swindon and win, however being on a different track that's new to him is a whole different ball game. His time is excellent, and again looks to thrive over this trip. Fingers crossed he can bag some points here. If he can get round in front, then I don't think alot will catch him to be honest.

I think Droopys Harper is a bit of a weak link here. Nothing against the dog, as I'm a fan, but he's in completely the wrong box for the trip. Given the make up of the seeds (and we don't know the seedings as we're not the home track dealing with the draw), it would've made more sense to seed him rails, then he might've had a better pitch on the fence (though he still could've drawn 5). At trials on Monday, he cut on on the corners considerably, and then moved off on the straights. Out where he is he could well cause some carnage, which could open the flood gates for the six. Another issue is that he rather blew up on the run in, hitting the maximum distance for him. When you're not a particularly ping-gone merchant, and you don't really stay all too well, it doesn't particularly bode well!

I hope I haven't been too negative on here, as I've tried to look at the form objectively not as a Swindon follower. I think we do have some chances, and I think if we can keep the 40-odd point cushion up after the day I think that'll be a job well done. Remember, all the points I've made are literally my opinion and interpretation of the form. You can think I'm writing a load of tosh if you want, that's what's brilliant about greyhound racing, it's all opinion!

Speaking of opinions, feel free to comment on the bottom of this blog on what you think could happen in the races. It's brilliant to see other people's views on the races, or maybe even something I've missed etc.

Still, #UpTheSwindon!

Happy Punting, and the best of luck to all the Swindon dogs, trainers and owners.

Chris Watts

An Apology . . . And A Very Good Story!

(Yet Another) Tipping Shambles!

First and foremost, the tipping was a shambles, I'll be honest. Fortunately Perles Minaj just managed to hold on to land me just a smidgin of dignity. All I can do is hang my head in shame!

Still, the good news coming out of the day was that we well and truely trounced the opposition! I must say, and I think I speak for several people on this, that I wasn't expecting such a points margin lead coming out of the home leg. I thought that about 20/25 points would've been pretty handy. However, a 47 point lead?! That 'should' be pretty unassailable. We need to grab the bull by the horns now and make sure we get to Perry Barr on the 23rd December!

On the last count we have upwards of 20 dogs going to Oxford for trials, from a mix of trainers for all the distances. It's vital that we get a look round those tight tracks, as we cant afford to drop points. I'm not trying to be negative, because to be honest I think we've won the group already, but we need to send a signal to the other teams!

Fortunately, I should think Team Manager Oseman has a rather difficult selection headache to contend with. The team ran exceptional in the home leg yes, but in fairness there are several other outstanding candidates that could be in the team. Admittedly, it's a brilliant position to be in, but the call's got to me made right. Remember aswell, that at Perry Barr we'll only have one representative per race, over a selection of 10 races (updated 16:21), so we've got to make them count.

I hope to be attending the trial session on Monday to see how our contenders fair round there. After that it's all systems go to the next round next Friday (amazing it's coming round so quick!)

And now, for a completely unrelated, yet very brilliant story .......

Ardera Bit

Now this was made aware to me about two weeks ago from Brian Hough of the Porter camp, and of course Mr. P himself. 

Bit, aptly named due to a bite she received from a litter mate as a pup, was recently put up for auction at a Sports Auction in Calne. All the money raised from the auction went to McMillan Nurses. She was purchased for the sum of £350 by long-standing owner John Beer, and John Jones.

It was decided that, to support McMillan even further, that Bit would literally run for charity. So, over a year's period, beginning in September 2012 running to August 2013, the owners have decided that all prize and run money earned by Bit will go straight to McMillan nurses. To back up this generous offer, Darryl Porter (trainer) is also training Bit for no kennel fee whatsoever, to ensure that all the prize money goes straight to charity.

I think this is a rather brilliant cause, and what a genius way to support a charity. It is hoped that a greyhound coat supplier will come on board to create a special coat for Bit to wear on parade, hopefully providing maximum coverage. Fingers crossed they could get Bit wearing the coat on the BAGS, to really give the campaign some oomph. 

I must say a big well done to all connected with Bit, as I think this really is a marvelous thing to do for an equally excellent charity.

The BAGS Track Championship - Home Leg Preview

So, the teams are in place, and tomorrow is the start of our group. Already there has been some cracking race from Belle Vue, and tonight see's Sittingbourne's home leg, with plenty of competition already. Here is my preview of tomorrow's races, being as un-biased as possible!

16:27 - BAGS Track Championship Puppies
My Pick - Aspiration - NAP

This first race, I feel, lands us a big win. Aspiration, trained by Matt Dartnall, ran a really good race last time out against and impressive Perles Minaj, and has recent good success in A2. His record for a puppy is mightly impressive. In this race, he's the only wide seed, so he should get a solo round the outside. His late pace will win him this one.

I do feel, however, there will be a total points challenge from Poole, particularly from trap 1 Droopys Bass. Jo Burridge trains this pup who has a decent record in top grade round Poole, posting a best time of 26.90 there. He looks to be a tailor made Swindon with a running on style, however the lack of a trial is a concern. Poole's other greyhound Ide Blizzard looks a progressive sort, and is ripe out of season for a good run. 

To me, the Oxford dogs are a tad weak in this. The best of the two, by a mile, is Old Codger. Richard Baker gave this dog a look round last week, and you think he should come on for the run.

My Trio: 6-1-2

One point that will probably be hit home more than any in this blog is the lack of trials that the competition has. It's something that I think will affect them drastically, but is something that we must not let happen to ourselves. Trials are a must in my opinion.

16:47 - BAGS Track Championship Standard
My Pick - Droopys Harris

Obviously, a Swindon 1-2 would be ideal! However, I was really impressed with this dog after he ran in a 509m maiden a couple of weeks back. He looks a tailor made stayer really, but having a couple of looks round the track will certainly benefit. He also looks to be the best draw dog in the race, as Primo Ryan really doesn't want to be out in 3.

The way I've read the race is that Mercurial Lady will be a pace-setter here. She has oodles of early pace, and if she can charge her way to the front early it'll take a good dog to catch her. My theory is that Harris will latch on to her at the 3rd, whether he can get by however is another story!

As for the other runners, Sierra Lobo rather disappointed me in his trial round Blunsdon, and doesn't look to be of the calibre of some of the other runners. Knockman Sal, again, falls in this bracket. Glencarra Wizard ran here in an Intertrack, and was a touch disappointing. However, his recent romp up in A1 down at Poole can't be underestimated.

To me, however, Primo Ryans surge of early pace could see the adverse trapdraw become not so much of a problem. When he gets it right, he's an absolute machine. We've just got to hope that he gets it right on Friday!

My Trio: 2-5-3

17:07 - BAGS Track Championship Bitches
My Pick - Perles Minaj - NB

Minaj looks to me to be a stand out here. Ray Jones' bitch ran a stormer in her last race, powering through to beat Aspiration. Her early pace is phenomenal, and when she has the sub 2.40 trapping boots on, she'll take some beating. I think that this race is actually easier than the A1 she won last time, so realistically it should be easy pickings for her. She's also got a cracking draw, slap bang in the middle.

To be honest I think the forecast link is our Shelbourne Nat. She's capable of running on strong, and has a fairly recent 28.79 on her card. That would have normally been good enough to win this heat without Minaj in it.

I think that, of the outside entries, the best of then is the 6 dog, Droopys Yvonne. However, I must say that the competition isn't really particularly hot. 

My Trio: 3-2-6

17:22 - BAGS Track Championship Sprint
My Pick - What A Disciple

Again, without having my pro-Swindon head on, I think Poole could do well in this race. Although our dogs have the best draws, I think What A Disciple looks a class act. Not quite seeing out the 450 at Poole, he trialled on here in a cracking 16.40. For a first look, thats pretty impressive. The only issue I can foresee is having the 4 middle runners. There could, potentially, be some traffic problems.

If there are traffic problems, I think Hoots Mon could pounce here. Kevin Hutton's runner was initially purchased (I should suspect looking at the Irish Card), for sprinting. In his last A1 win he cracked out in a superb 2.33 split, and then backed up those claims by winning a decent sprint trial on Tuesday. The dog should be fresh, and is arguable the best drawn.

Believe it or not, I'm actually going to include an Oxford dog in calculations this time! This is no offence to the track, it's just that I don't feel their team is particularly strong. Adamant Brian for Gilly Hepden has some sprinting form on his card, and looks to be a consistent trapper.

My Trio: 2-6-5

17:38 - BAGS Track Championship Dogs
My Pick: Ice Trooper

Ice trooper really has taken off recently, having won a couple of decent races and posting some good times. He didn't run particularly well last time out, but I reckon he can bounce back and take this race. To me it's all on the draw, and to me he gets a clear passage through the middle, with trap 4 moving right. 

This is a very competitive race, however, with the 1 dog Kilara Harry looking a decent dog. Gilly Hepden's runner ran a belter of a race last time at Oxford, romping up. Although the time isn't all that brilliant, it was the way he won that impressed me. He should be one to watch here.

You have to say that Sligo Mick looks to have a cracking make up here. Again for Kevin Hutton, he's been ultra consistent in A1 company recently, and he looks an out and out points winner for Team Swindon.

My Trio: 3-1-6

17:56 - BAGS Track Championship Stayers
My Pick: Oh Pretty Woman

My head is telling me really to tip up Ardmayle Move. She's become a favourite of mine, showing all round speed over the 6 bends, running on like a steam train. The problem is that the draw is a real stinker, and she's surrounded by early pace. Realistically, I think she's classy enough to outclass the whole field, so should be there or there abouts at the end

It's on the draw alone that I side with Oh Pretty Woman. Ray Evan's charge has been a mega consistent runner for him, having won her last S2 and A2. She doesn't particularly see out the trip that well, and looks more suited to about 640m, but she gives her all in these races. My theory is that the lack of a look round for the outside runners are going to catch them out. The 685m at Swindon don't half take some getting, and I can't help but think that the outsiders have underestimated it a touch. 

Me saying that, my tricast link is Impact Man in trap 5. Bill Black's runner from the south coast ran a brilliant 640 at the back end of September, posting a 39.28, a particularly fast time. He's running at top grade there, and looks as though he'll just see out the trip. He's certainly worth a look 

My Trio: 6-4-5